These moths are reared "naturally" on small trees around the farm (no nets, sleeves or manipulation of the larvae). Although most fall victim to predation & parasitism, I'm usually able to gather a number of cocoons from the pastures, fence rows, neighbors yards and adj. roadsides. Once gathered up, I maintain them outside and they hatch between late April through early June. Most emerge early in the day and the adults typically fly off after dark.

The females will stay for up to three days and typically draw in males, mate, lay eggs and I release them into the woods. I will keep each mated female for a few hours to gather up a dozen or so eggs and then redistribute the hatchling 1st instars locally (~two mile radius of home). Over the last several years, there has been a steady and healthy wild cecropia population in the area.